Hurds Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Hurds Lake Dam, located in Somers, Connecticut, was completed in 1934 and stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 260 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and holds a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Situated on Gillettes Brook Tributary, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, with a significant hazard potential identified. The dam has not been rated for its condition, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) have not been documented.

Managed by the local government, Hurds Lake Dam is a vital structure in Tolland County, providing a surface area of 15 acres for recreational activities. Despite its age, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 175 cubic feet per second and is subject to state permitting and enforcement regulations by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The dam's spillway width is 6 feet, but details on outlet gates, associated structures, and risk management measures are not specified in available data.

Although Hurds Lake Dam has not been assessed for its condition, its location on Gillettes Brook Tributary and its role in providing recreational opportunities make it a crucial water resource in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in the dam's history, design, and operational details may find this structure worth further exploration to understand its impact on the local ecosystem and its potential risks and benefits for the community.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

GILLETTES BROOK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.